Cloud gaming: overview
Cloud gaming has been a new phenomenon in the gaming industry that has been recently making headlines and has come with promising features aimed to revolutionize the future of gaming. Already the stir produced by cloud gaming has had many enthusiast falling for the concept as they find it cheaper to convectional network gaming platforms such as Xbox and play station. This has been evidenced by notable services such as Netflix where one can benefit from a wide collection of games at only $9.99 per month.
The cloud concept of Software-as-as-service is already delivering attractive features such as Onlive which offers flexibility that allows gamers the option of playing on personal computers as well as television sets depending on their choice. This is not to mention new features such as Arena mode that allows one to watch games others are playing in real-time as they are able to register digital jeers or cheers during performance. Cloud gaming is further promoted by availability of popular games already availed through cloud platform such as Assassin’s creed, Batman, NBA 2K11as well as Shaun White skateboarding all which are hosted under Onlive cloud network(Senior 2011).
However there have been recent challenges facing cloud adoption as most console markets have found it difficult establishing business models that for on-demand streaming video game business (Christian & Marcel 2011). A recent report by Screen Digest says the speed of delivery as well as quality gaming conditions have a lot to offer for gamers and as such through video-streamed games on-demand sector (VSGoD) for short. However the same report claimed despite this technological performance, their yet remains an unlikely tendency by consumer to change their games-buying habits both in the short term and even in the mid-term.
However it is predicted that the primary opportunities for cloud gaming services will come during the next hardware transition that will only happen console prices go up as game consumers will opt for other alternatives avenues (Christian & Marcel 2011). Key to the future potential of cloud gaming will involve territorial expansions as well as seeking alternative platforms from PC into TV’s, set top boxes, mobile platforms and possibly game console.
Cloud Gamming in UK
Cloud gaming has just been recently introduced by Onlive in UK. Presently onlive has over 100 games it renders through its cloud network as well as provides for gaming across multiple platforms such as HTTV, PC or Mac via any broadband connections (Senior 2011). Onlive has been able to render high-end games plus the availability of unprecedented community features such as massive spectating and the inclusion of social media integration across UK.
Users across UK can now benefit by streaming games to their homes by use of set-top-boxes connected to any web-connected machine with little or no latency and in high definition. The release of this service came through a partnership with BT and was released as a three month free and unlimited access to a playback of new and old titles from Batman: Arkhan Asylum to Deux Ex: Game of the year edition that has been offered in partnership to BT subscribers(Senior 2011). At the moment onlive is the only service in UK that provides cloud gaming services by use of video compression technology to deliver high quality games over internet. By games running in onlives data hub, users can play games on their television without needing a game console as well as facilitate low-performance computers.
Gaming on a cloud: Component analysis
Gaming has known to be a process intensive activity that requires a computer system with a high performance capacity. The recent development of games that has come with advanced 3d graphics as well as interesting plots has intensified for advanced systems that can render matching performance to offer the ultimate gaming experience. This always tends to create a confusing prospect when purchasing or assembling an effective gaming machine. Unlike consoles, computer consists of several components that have to be regularly upgraded and expanded to meet modern game requirements.
When considering a processor, one has to realize that this is the most important system component that determines the game performance. With the release of high end games such as Doom 3 and Quake a powerful processor is needed to offer optimal performance. It is then recommended that a personal computer at least run on a dual core processor to achieve results. Usually AMD dual core processors are preferable to their Intel counterparts as they generate less heat, perform quicker as well as being energy saving. Other new high end processors that deliver better processing strength are Intel core i7 processor series that supports smart multitasking by using hyper-threading technology that allows each core to work on two tasks at the same time.
As for motherboards one has to be aware of several compatibility factors such as CPU, memory as well as onboard slots. When considering CPU, it is important to know which CPU will be used this is because motherboards are CPU specific. Hence a motherboard will only support AMD or Intel CPU’s. Because RAM memory comes in different categories such as DDR1, DDR2 and most recently DDR3 it is important to be motherboard is compatible with the RAM of choice. Since in some cases a user may need extra PCI ports for card extensions it is important to make sure that a motherboard provides additional slots for this (Chruscinsk 2011). Also since we are referring to a gaming PC, one has to be sure that the motherboard has PCI-Express port to support video card.
When considering a power supply the question that has always been asked has been how much power is really sufficient power a gaming system. Normally 300W to 500W of power is enough for normal PC users though for high-end gaming power as high as 800W may be needed to provide the needed power.
Graphic card is responsible for supporting 3D effects present in latest games. A better graphics card renders better 3D gaming experiences as well as support effects such as anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, bump mapping, pixel shader and so much more (Chruscinsk 2011). However before purchasing a graphic card factors to consider include video memory usually a minimum of 512 is recommended, other considerations would include directx11 support as this technology enables rendering of fancy features. Other consideration worth noting are DVI, HDMI and dual monitor support.
It is also worth considering supporting accessories such as hard drives. In this case a minimum of 120 GB is recommended for software and game installations. Also external speakers and wireless cards are also required to support connectivity and rich gaming experience.
Broadband providers
Considering the fact that gaming is to be availed via a cloud framework, it is important to factor a suitable broadband connection that will facilitate seamless gaming through the cloud. It is recommended to use wired connection as opposed to wireless based connection such as Wi-Fi as they are constantly prone occasional delays and drops in responsiveness (Orange Orange Broadband and Off Peak Calls). It is recommended that at least a minimum of 300Kbs is required for online streaming through a higher speed will provide better results.
With this in mind it is worth noting that there are several broadband services available in UK that offer efficient connection to allow for effective streaming (Orange Broadband and Off Peak Calls). One example is Orange Broadband that provides speeds up to 20Mbs, unlimited data and costs only £60 per year. Other services providers in UK include Bt, Sky, and Talktalk.
Recommended specifications
Since we are specifically interested in delivering a high-end gaming PC, by using the component analysis we have just considered a suitable gaming PC can be composed of the following specifications: Intel core i7 processor, a 4Gb RAM preferably DDR3, 800W power supply, 1Gb Nvidia graphic card and a liquid based cooling system. This is assuming the PC is already has standard peripherals such as keyboard, mouse and a TFT screen. Because Intel core i7 processor as well as DDR3 and 2 GB RAM is still a fairly new processor in the market, this implies games are currently being developed to optimize the performance accorded by these modern computer components. Considering the annual game release schedule this means under these specifications a PC with these features will still remain relevant.
Component costing
Component
Cost
Cooler Master Sileo 500 RC-500-KKR3-GP (£62.38)
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 (£63)
CPU
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition (£119.71)
Memory
Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (£18.9)
Video Card
XFX HD-695X-ZNFC (£132.31, after mail-in rebate)
Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Black (1.5TB) (£63)
Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Black (1.5TB) (£63)
Optical Drive
Lite-On DVD Burner iHAS124-04 (£11.34)
Total
Tom Senior (2011). OnLive to run modded games and support more indie games. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/09/20/onlive-to-run-modded-games-and-support-more-indie-games/. [Last Accessed 24 March 2012].
(Senior 2011)
Matthew Murray (2011). Build a $750 Gaming PC . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2395302,00.asp. [Last Accessed 24 March 2012].
(Murray 2011)
Dan Chruscinski. 2011. Minimum Requirements for a Gaming Computer. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/about_5068579_minimum-requirements-gaming-computer.html. [Accessed 24 March 12]
(Chruscinsk 2011)
Christian B, Marcel K, Jens L, Stephan T , (2011). Cloud Computing: Web-based Dynamic IT services. 1st ed. : Springer.
(Christian & Marcel 2011)
(2012). Orange Orange Broadband and Off Peak Calls. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.broadband.co.uk/providers/orange/broadband-and-off-peak-calls/market2/. [Last Accessed 24 March 2012].
